2016 Triumph Tiger Sport Announced

But it’s not coming to America

Triumph announced an updated Tiger Sport featuring the latest iteration of the company’s 1050cc engine and electronics introduced in the Speed Triple R and Speed Triple S. Sadly, however, Triumph’s North American arm has decided not to import it to our shores. Americans last saw this bike in 2012 as the Tiger 1050 but we have been left wanting since the previous update and renaming in 2013.

Visually, the 2016 model looks similar to last year’s model except for the new color options (matt black with neon yellow highlights or the aluminum silver with red details pictured here). Minor updates include handguards, grippier pegs, an adjustable tinted screen and new mirrors.

The biggest changes come in the engine and electronics. The latest 1050cc Triple features 104 updates from the previous powerplant, with Triumph claiming increased peak power and overall torque and a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency. The exhaust system was also refined, which should help the Tiger Sport meet Euro4 emission standards. Triumph also added a slip-assist clutch to reduce rider fatigue and to lessen the rear wheel’s proclivity to hopping when sloppily downshifting through the six-speed gearbox.

Like the latest Speed Triples, the Tiger Sport receives ride-by-wire throttle control and traction control. The 2016 Tiger Sport comes with three power modes (Road, Rain and Sport) but lacks the Track and user-programmable modes offered on the Speed Triple. The Tiger does, however, offer cruise control which better suits its intended purpose as an everyday commuter and tourer.